Date Published: 5th October, 2024

Publisher: Information and Communication Ministry, EDUSA

By: Tumani Camara (Second Year Second Semester English Major, University of The Gambia, Faraba Campus)

Kuddy sat on the porch, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The warm, dusty air carried the scents of her mother’s cooking – a familiar blend of spices and smoke. Despite the comforting familiarity, Kuddy felt unsettled, as if a storm were brewing within her.

For years, she had dutifully followed the traditions of her Mandinka tribe, participating in the rituals and honoring the ways of her ancestors. But lately, she couldn’t help questioning it all. The world beyond her village was changing so rapidly, and she yearned to be a part of that change.

“Kuddy, come help me with dinner,” her mother called from the kitchen.
Kuddy sighed and rose from her seat. As she entered the small, clay-walled hut, her eyes landed on the intricate beadwork hanging on the walls – a legacy passed down through generations. Her fingers traced the vibrant patterns, and she felt a tug of guilt for her restless thoughts.

“Mother, why must I follow the old ways?” Kuddy asked, unable to contain her curiosity any longer. “The world is moving forward, and I feel trapped in the past.”

Her mother paused, her weathered hands stilling on the pot she was stirring. “Kuddy, our ways are not just traditions – they are the very fabric of who we are. They connect us to our ancestors, to the land, to the rhythm of the earth itself.”

Kuddy listened, her brow furrowed in contemplation. “But what if I want more? What if I want to explore the world beyond our village, to learn new things?”

Her mother smiled gently. “You are a part of something greater than yourself, my child. Your ancestors walk with you, guiding your steps. Their wisdom and strength flow through you, even as you seek new horizons.”
Kuddy considered her mother’s words, feeling a weight lifted from her shoulders. Perhaps she did not have to choose between the old ways and the new. Perhaps she could find a way to honor her heritage while still embracing the changes that beckoned.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Kuddy set to work, her hands moving with the practiced ease of generations before her. As the sun dipped below the horizon, she knew that her ancestors were with her, not constraining her, but empowering her to forge her own path.

Article by: Tumani Camara